Born and raised in County Armagh Ireland, I started riding when I was just 8 years old. When I was 16, I left school to follow my dreams of becoming a professional show jumper. And to maybe one day, represent Ireland in international competition.
Success came first on the ponies when I was chosen to represent Ireland in both 1986 and 1988. Following that amazing experience, I started having a very successful career with young horses winning many national championships. It was everything I had dreamed of.
Then in 2000 I came to the United States for a bit of a vacation when I met Christine Tribble, whom I later convinced to be my wife. Together we run Windsor Show Stables in Connecticut.
In the years that have followed, I was very lucky to have some really nice horses thanks to my parents-in-law, that have allowed me to continue my career. Once more, I was tapped to represent Ireland at senior nations cup level in 2007 with my horse Costa.
It wasn’t long after that that we decided it was time for me to become a United States citizen and perhaps this could open a door to me riding on the Amerian team. It was a lengthy process but so worth it. I reached what for me, personally, has been one of my best achievements… competing on the U.S Show Jumping Team not once but twice! First in 2014 in Xalapa, Mexico and then again in Sprucemeadows. Both rides we had one rail down and then clear. It was a thrill of a lifetime. And to make it all that sweeter, I was riding my all time favorite horse, Special Lux, who coincidentally, is also Irish!
I have been lucky in horses. And in love. And so it goes without saying that the proudest moment of my entire career happened almost 4 yrs ago in Guadalajara, Mexico. My wife won team gold and then individual gold at the Pan American games. Watching her accept her medals… of all the wins, the highs and lows of horses, this is what stands out. Because we are a team, I don’t think I would be where I am today if I didn’t have her.
